Quarterback
Jacoby Brissett, Cleveland (vs New England)
Brissett has been an effective passer and relatively safe fantasy play, even if he has lacked upside. He should have a higher ceiling in Week 6 against a Patriots defense that will be focused on shutting down Nick Chubb and the Browns running game. Brissett adds the potential for a rushing score and has three viable targets in Amari Cooper, David Njoku, and Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Justin Fields, Chicago (vs Washington) **Thursday**
Fields had his most efficient day as a passer in Week 5, and he also had a 52-yard scramble touchdown called back by penalty, or we might be heralding the beginning of a fantasy breakout. It makes sense that Fields would be getting more comfortable in the new offense installed this year, and he is facing a weak Washington defense whose #1 corner wants out. Fields has had a steady helping of rush attempts, and Washington has already allowed 11 passing scores.
Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh (vs Tampa Bay)
Pickett and the Steelers got blown out last week, but there was a moral victory - at least for fantasy. Pickett threw the ball 52 times and gained 327 yards through the air against a defense that hadn’t allowed more than 240 so far this year. The Bills defense actually had been allowing just over 170 yards passing a game going into Week 5. Pickett should throw a ton against the Buccaneers defense this week and get his talented wide receiver trio into play.
Skylar Thompson, Miami (vs Minnesota)
Thompson is a long shot in his first NFL start, but he’ll get to accumulate stats from the best run-after-catch duo in the league and didn’t look overwhelmed in his first NFL action despite being a seventh-round pick. The Vikings have allowed at least 200 passing yards and a touchdown in the last four games, including matchups with Andy Dalton, Justin Fields, and Jalen Hurts. Thompson is a viable choice if you have to get your starter from the waiver wire this week.
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